The skate-off between Mao and Yu-Na might be more interesting than the Olympics I think it's Mao's to lose, but Yu-Na might give her a run for her money. Third is up for grabs... maybe Alissa will get it if she doesn't have a love affair with the ice like she did at the GPF and Nats.

Hyatt is the 2006 U.S. junior champion and 1st alternate who has replaced Katy Taylor. Taylor withdrew from Junior Worlds on 2/22 (not due to injury) and I'm told she will provide details on her withdrawal in a journal entry to be published on her official site soon.

Here's a link to Katy's journal entry with details on her withdrawal.http://www.figureskatersonline.com/k...r/journal.html
Sounds like she's got a good head on her shoulders and I can't wait to see her next year!!! BTW, she did put some of her prize money for her Hummer

Yes, the men and ladies are divided into two groups (A & B) and the top 15 men and 15 ladies from each group (30 total) will advance to the short program. Then the top 24 men and ladies advance to the free skate.

Originally Posted by peachy

i thought you couldn't go back to junior worlds once you had been in a major senior international competition... or is it that you just can't go back to junior worlds after competing in senior worlds?

As long as the skater is ISU junior age-eligible, he/she can compete at Junior Worlds if their federation wants to send them -- doesn't matter if they've previously competed at the Olympics or at Senior Worlds.

Daisuke "Dice" Murakami (4th in junior at 2006 US Nationals) hasn't competed internationally since the fall of 2004, so I will be interested to see how he does in Slovenia and whether or not he tries a 3axel there (I saw him land one in a Nationals practice).